We have been saddened to learn of three former players who have sadly passed away in the last week. All three contributed in a small way to the Trinity team in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Stuart Kelley originally played with the Shaw Cross junior side in Dewsbury, before signing for Halifax in 1962 making his debut against Oldham in December 1962 in a 16-14 win at Thrum Hall. He started as a hooker but went onto playing in all forward positions. He was part of the Halifax squads which reached back-to-back RL Championship Finals in 1965 and 1966, winning the first against St. Helens, but Kelley missing the final after playing in all the previous rounds. He was club captain in 1969-70, making a total of 144 appearances for Halifax before joining Trinity in October 1970. He debuted at prop, at Salford in October 1970 playing the last of his 10 appearances at home to Bramley in March 1971. He was 78 years of age and earned a heritage number, 769. Stuart Kelley

Peter Astbury was one of the game’s great characters. Hailing from Normanton he joined Leeds in 1964 debuting against Trinity on Boxing Day 1964. He only played 10 games at Headingley over the next seven years but was a cornerstone of the A-team before signing for Bramley in 1971, where he made 130 appearances. He also played for Oldham, Halifax and Bradford Northern and earned his Trinity heritage number (847) when he arrived for a month’s loan from Halifax, in December 1977 playing just four games at hooker. He made his debut in a 7-2 win at Dewsbury on 27th December 1977 before returning to Halifax in February 1978. He crossed paths again, with Trinity, in his coaching days when he was assistant at Bramley, Keighley, Doncaster and York.

Peter Astbury

Malcolm Storey came to Belle Vue in September 1963 after two seasons at Hull. He debuted in a 25-14 win at Bradford Northern, partnering Derek Turner in the second row he only stayed a year, and moved to York after 15 appearances, scoring four tries. He scored two tries in a 46-5 hammering of Keighley just before he left for York in November 1964. He earned a heritage number of 686. He played 180 games for York before retiring in 1972.

Malcolm Storey

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of our former heroes.